July 14, 2011

Finally

There can be a negative side effect to blogging. The feeling of dissatisfaction with what you have and the feeling that you need to strive for perfection. A perfection you will never attain, no less.

I think this might be the reason I have been slow in sharing pictures of our new cottage with you. This is not one of those blogs where the budget is endless and the projects come together in what seems like days. I have been working my back-side off since we moved in, but I'll be honest, I've just scratched the surface. I'm just focusing on the bones of the place right now. And my budget? Well, there's not much of it left right now. But you know what? It's okay. We love our cottage. It's cozy and homey and it's ours. The projects will get done as we can manage them and that's okay too because we plan to stay here for the rest of our lives.

To thank you (or punish you, depending on your opinion) all for being so patient in your wait, I'm going to saturate this post with pictures. You've been warned.

These are the before pictures:

This room is very narrow. Our cottage was originally 1 story and when they added the 2nd floor the stairs took up a lot of real estate in this room. It is also long which can give you that bowling alley effect if you aren't careful. We plan on getting a slipcovered sectional in the not so distant future which will help this area work better. The rug is from Dash and Albert. LOVE it.

This is the media console formerly known as a dining room hutch. I'm going to paint it a medium grey. I'm thinking about trying that new chalk paint that I'm hearing so much about.

The as-of-yet still unfinished stairs. I have high hopes of getting them done soon but I have to say, even like this they are a big improvement.

This is Sweet Hubby's drafting table which is to the right of the sofa. I love this piece and all it's industrial beauty.

To the right of that is my time out corner which you have seen before. It's where I am likely sitting whenever you and I are talking. My feet are up on that soon to be slipcovered ottoman right this moment. Also, someone asked me about the fabric I have thrown on here. I know nothing of its origins. I purchased it recently at a favorite shop.

This is to the right of my corner. It's not much of an entry by suburban standards but for an old house it ain't too shabby. I still want to get an antique dresser to replace the table so I can organize and hide all our scarves and mittens for the cold months. I also have a rug on the shopping list.

An overview from the opposite side of the room. The room to the right of the entry area is my studio. You can see one of our 2 ugly ceiling fans. I look forward to seeing them gone.

This is the view from the sofa. The door on the left is Maddie's room and the door on the right is the downstairs bathroom. The doorway to the right leads to the kitchen and dining room. That is a rip it all out to the studs project that will not be happening in the near future. The print helps me to remember to choose joy before I walk in that room. I often need the reminder.

We've made good progress but still have a way to go. I'm starting to work on window treatments for this room and I'd love to hear what you picture there. I feel like the room is telling me it doesn't want full length panels. It's a bossy house. Originally I thought cafe curtains 3/4 of the way up the window but now I'm having doubts and thinking about other options. What do you think?

70 comments:

Your home looks beautiful, and I fully understand the reality of time, energy and budgets- we've been in our 'dream home' for six years and have barely scratched the surface- but it sure makes you appreciate when a project finally gets done, huh?

I love it! I can see white curtains inside the frames or white wooden slat blinds or more pricey yet...plantation shutters. I love them but I won't turn loose of the $ for them. You are on a roll I'd say. It looks wonderful so far!

I so feel your pain! We just moved into our dream house about ten days ago. It has the best of bones and some good features, but the buying of the property wiped out any available funds. Nothing like a frustrated thrift store addict who's been asked to quit "cold turkey". You have done a lovely job on your cottage so far. I am impatient and want the vision to come right away, but maybe, the lack of funds is teaching me to enjoy the dreaming and the process. I love what you've done for decorating. It's appealing on so many levels and looks so comfortable and chic. Keep us posted!Courtney

For one, I love everything about your new space. It feels very settled and comfortable. Good work. It takes time. Don't get too worried. It'll fall in place. I once heard someone say a house is never "done."

I think everything is absolutely lovely! I am not for sure anyone has an unlimited budget. There has been a lot of talk going around about being real. I have loved following your blog. Don't change a thing. Everything will fall into place, just in time for you to start changing everything again. At least that is how is goes over here. Enjoy the process!

Ha! We've been in our home for 30 years and it's still mostly furnished in garage sale chic and roadside freebies. I think your new home is beautiful, and I enjoy your blog wether you are talking about the house or the family or whatever. Conratulations on moving into your forever home:>)

Most of us reading your blog are in the same situation and we don't care if your budget is small or non-existent, and if things only get done a little at a time. I can relate better to you than to someone who is wealthy. I loved this post and your home looks beautiful. As to the windows, since you have such lovely window trim, I would keep things simple, and inside the frames if possible. So glad you are enjoying you new home. How about some more pictures of your village? Lana www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com

Don't worry, you have great bones to work with. The rest of us that have so called perfect homes and endless budgets...not so in my house. I would love to change mine after almost two years but it's not happening anytime soon either.

Jen- It is lovely. I can just feel how homey and welcoming it is when you walk in the front door. Love it! I kind of like the windows bare but I know you need something. I think the top is too lovely to cover up though! Why not try pinning a few things in place at different heights and angles and see what looks best... Love what you have done so far~ xo Diana

There are many blogs that I occasionally visit and they are a feast for the eyes BUT they are not food for the soul. Too perfect and too wrapped in the necessity of being so. How many sets of dishes and matching accessories does one family need!! I enjoy your blog a lot and love your little cottage. It looks homey and comfortable and you're doing a great job. As those of us also on a limited budget know, it takes time and creativity to make a house a home. Blessings, Ann

Love that you are real - that's why I stop by. I SO get feeling less than adequate if you don't have an entire room magazine-worthy by weeks end!

I too have been thinking about window treatments and just stumbled upon a great DIY roman shade tutorial {via The Nester's post yesterday, I think}. Romans can be very expensive if you have them custom made but I like the idea of using ready made bamboo shades and covering them in fabric. I may try in my living room which is also "telling" me that it doesn't want long drapes!xo~Jill

You never showed me the before pics- it looks like old people lived there, lol! Your cottage is beautiful, warm and inviting. It's one of my favorite places to be! I know it doesn't seem like it to you but when you step back and think of all the things you've done in such a short amount of time you should be darn proud sister, it's looking awesome!

p.s. your ceilings are so tall and amazing I think they want crispy curtains to accentuate them.

It's beautiful, JJ! You've done an amazing job. It's fun to see how you've made this cottage your own so quickly! I've been tagging along on this journey since way before you even mentioned your dream of moving from the burbs, and to think you are there and living it out now.....it doesn't get much better than that!I'm looking forward to the rest!Miss you....:)

It looks so cozy and fun! I am picturing wispy white cafe curtains on those windows pushed back during the day. Thanks for sharing your new home with us. I am in the same boat as you are...lack of time and money! I am learning to enjoy the journey b/c this is our forever home too.Amy

I love it! I never have the money to finish a room, or design project right away but now I don't get frustrated by that (as much) because it allows you to live with what you started and see if it truly works for you and then add as you go along.... you will appreciate it even more!It is lovely! karen....

It's come along way already. Most of us can't even fathom unlimited budgets or oodles of time to reach perfection in a week, a month or even years. And really who wants to? Half the fun is in the hopes and dreams and tinkering...making it your own. A lifetime of living sounds like just enough time to get it finished. Enjoy living the dream. Patty

oh my I just love,love,love your corner how cozy and comfortable it looks. And you are definitely putting your stamp on the place. That older homes have little quirks like bowling alley living rooms is true, but I think that is what make them so charming nothing is really predictable. Maybe relaxed romans would work for you a little more cottagey than a straight roman but the fabric selection really tells the story.

I love your cottage and all you've done to it so far, it looks just adorable. I've been in my cottage 10 years and still working. I love the bossy house phrase. I think that window would be charming with little white shutters.

Jen, I think your new cottage is BEAUTIFUL!! I love your stairs, couches, windows, rug and kitty. :) I understand what you are saying about blogging. I read once that comparison steals joy. Very true for us ladies!! You are doing a beautiful job on creating a home for you and your family. And it is nice to know that there are other people in this world that live on a budget besides myself. And who have to take baby steps to get things done. :)

Jen, the room is already beautiful. It is filled with your things and your family. That's the best. You are right about blogging and those pressures. We see one after another big re-do and I often think, where do they get the money? We add vintage things bought for a song and that's about it. The bedroom needs work as does the rest of the upstairs. Nothing is the way I would like it to be sometime in the future, but that's okay. It's our home. I'd love to see more posts from everyone showing 'real' rooms and next-to-nothing budgets.

Looks absolutely charming - love the paint color against the wooden floors. The entry is darling :) I am very interested in seeing the studio ...hummmmm? And, I'm in love with the You Are My Sunshine sign ... it reminds me of my last painting :)

I also know what you mean about the ups and downs of blogging ... It can keep my posts at bay at times. I will say that blogging makes me take more effort to really search for the beauty and magic of each day - - especially where my children are concerned.

Hi Jen,I had to do a double look at your before photos, because your space looks so different!!! Sometimes when you live in the space, it doesn't seem much different. But ohmygoosh . . you have really changed a lot and it is as charming as ever.

Wow! Your home is so cozy and full of light! When my husband and I bought our first house in the country our budget was $0 and we worked our backs off also. A couple of homes later, I still miss it. Your post reminded me of how wonderful it was as each project was finished. Thanks for sharing photos of your lovely home.

I like what you have done so far. I can totally understand the take it slow/budget issue. Most of us are in the same boat. We have been in our home 12 years & just finished a little remodel on our guest bath which was sad when we moved in. We've done a lot of other things but like I said we've been here 12 years. It takes time and I personally would hate to rush something to get it done and then hate it after lots of time and $$..

I actually like the windows with no treatments - the trim is so pretty. I would probably do white wood blinds for now - they are fairly reasonable & look nice if you need them covered. I actually have them on most of my windows since I cannot part with the $$ for plantation shutters which I really would like to have. Guess they're just not that much of a priority. :)

Thanks for sharing your space. I really look forward to seeing what you do. I love the bones of an old house and will live vicariously through you!!!

First of all, Jen ~ please don't worry about being "perfect", not having an unlimited budget, etc. Though I do understand what you're saying because I'm in the same boat! There are some blogs I look at where the person has a HUGE house and obviously lots of money and time - and it makes me feel, well, inadequate at times.

Your new cottage is beautiful - homey, comfortable, full of charm, welcoming. As for your windows, from what I can tell in the pictures, they have beautiful mouldings around them. I wouldn't want to cover them up! Maybe you could find some kind of sheers so that the mouldings peek through.

well yay!!!i feel like i just walked through your sweet charming cottage & held your hand!andi LOVE IT!!!i love the warmth , i love the drafting table and quiet time corner. i love the sunshine art and the doggie bed. i love that it's uncluttered, clean & welcoming all together.

our home is the stage where it's old enough to need ALOT of things updated, redone, etc.but not old enough to be charming.our little community is rapidly changing. and not for the good.i love your little town & what you've done.i think you rockxoxo

looks so sweet and homey!! and i know you weren't feelin' it, but i adore that newell post on your stairs! all homes are a work in progress ... if they all came together overnight, a) it would be stinkin' expensive, and b) it wouldn't look organic and "gathered" like it does when it takes time and love and intention. at least, that's what i keep telling myself. ;o)

Jen,I think it is looking just lovely. I love your floors. I ave a "thing" for bare wood! You have done a wonderful job and should be so proud of yourself. I could imagine living there forever!Hugs,Suz

I absolutely love yourcottage, Jen! It is sosweet and beautiful. Ican't wait to see more.

Where did you get yoursign "You Are My Sunshine"?I have always sung that toour daughter. She is marry-ing an Australian in Novemberand living there so I wouldlike to get a sign for her soshe won't forget her ole Mom! :-)

Your house looks lovely! Very welcoming, happy, and inviting! I know what you mean, though, about being hesitant to share images of how your home is coming along. Thanks for your real-nes, honesty, and vulnerability! I wish you continued happy nesting!

Also, I just checked out pininterest for the first time. I requested an invitation from them and I'm having to wait. I don't really know how it works. Do you have any invites left? Thanks for any help/ info you can give. joelnkelly at hotmail dot com

Your cottage is so sweet and adorable. I love the look. It's so nice to hear the honesty of what having a home and being a blogger is truly like. I too have a limited budget but am dying for changes. They will come in time. Your windows are gorgeous what about simple woven blinds inside mounted so you don't have to cover up the beautiful millwork, just a thought. Take Care, Carrie

I love your cottage, Jen. The tall ceilings and hardwood are great and I really love the entry. It already looks lovely. Our suburban builder home is 13 years old and, although we bought it new, still needs so much work and is now getting to the age where it needs things replaced, roof, carpet etc.

We have ceiling fans too, and they do help with temperature control, so I like having them. I painted my blades white and distressed them. You can also replace the light fixture on them with a small, flea mkt light. It helps and is a cheap fix!

your home and style are priceless. i know just what you mean about budgets, etc., because it's the same here (what budget?) -- but with paint and creativity, we make houses our dream homes, just like you are doing with yours and it's lovely and loved and that shines through.

You home is looking lovely so far. But I totally understand that blog land perfection feeling and the reality of budgets and time. We've just moved house two weeks ago and I haven't shared any photos yet. We also have so much to do and with a 10 month old little boy its not just our minimal budget that is going to slow progress on the mass of things we want to do here. We've actually blown pretty much all our budget on a new kitchen as the present one is circa 1970 with crazy multi colour tiles, drawers that keep falling off their runners and a very leaky sink! So I will be sharing my before and after photos on that one soon. Only two and a half weeks until it is ripped out! Good luck with all your plans. I look forward to seeing more of what you've done over the coming months but I think you've done great things already. Fiona

Oh my gosh I had that same (white) coffee table! I bought it at the thrift store, refinished it and re-sold it on Craigslist. Check it out here:http://www.handbagsnpigtails.com/2010/08/coffee-table-transformationcomplete.html I love your home/blog! Ive been hopping around for about an hour now:)

About Me

I'm a Village living, decorating obsessed, home chef, gardener in training, creative spirit and lover of the simple life. I am Mom to 2 sweet girls and wife to 1 amazing man. I love my family, friends and all things cottage and vintage. I believe in taking risks and following your dreams. Life is short. Enjoy every moment.